Pension advice in Portugal: Six tips for getting it right first time

With more options than ever before for what you can do with your pensions, quality advice for expatriates is crucial. How can you establish the best outcome for a financially secure retirement in Portugal?

Brexit makes these particularly interesting times for UK pensions. With expectations that some current opportunities may not survive after the UK leaves the EU, the clock is ticking to take full advantage of today’s freedoms.

While any financial transaction brings a degree of risk, pensions are often the cornerstone of a comfortable retirement, so getting it wrong here can be disastrous. Indeed, we are sometimes approached by people who have made the wrong pension choice with another firm and have found it very costly to rectify.

Regulated financial companies have to meet certain standards and act in the best interests of their clients. While taking regulated advice is compulsory for people looking to transfer ‘final-salary’ pension benefits worth £30,000+, the FCA strongly recommends it for anyone considering their pension options. A simple online search of a provider’s full name plus ‘FCA’ should reveal more about their relationship with the regulator and link to their record in the Financial Services Register.

2. Consider all your options

Many expatriates benefit from transferring UK pension funds to a Qualifying Recognised Overseas Pension Scheme (QROPS). Advantages include more flexibility with withdrawals, such as the option to take Euros or Pounds, and freedom to pass on benefits to heirs other than your spouse. However, a QROPS will not suit everyone and is not always the most tax-efficient solution. With expert planning, pension funds can potentially be restructured in arrangements that provide additional tax benefits for Portuguese residents, so take time to explore alternative options.

3. Get personalised, cross-border tax advice

The Portuguese tax treatment of pensions differs to the UK and can be highly beneficial. For example, if you are not yet resident in Portugal, you could enjoy tax-free pensions through the non-habitual residents (NHR) regime for the first ten years. Outside of NHR, it may be possible to receive 85% of UK pensions tax-free, but the rules are far from straightforward. For some expatriates, it is more beneficial to re-invest UK pension funds into a tax-efficient Portuguese-compliant life assurance bond, for instance, but there is no one-size-fits-all solution.

UK-based pension advisers are unlikely to have in-depth understanding of the Portuguese tax landscape nor the cross-border expertise required to make the most of the opportunities available. This can result in a much higher tax bill than necessary, so take local, personalised advice for the best results for your unique circumstances and goals.

4. Beware of pension scams and unregulated investments

Be extremely cautious of ‘advice’ from a company that has cold-called you, and never sign anything under pressure. Be especially wary of claims of unusually high or guaranteed returns, and opportunities to access your pension before the age of 55. Generally, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is, and once you transfer your pension, it is too late. You could end up losing some or even all of your pension funds, and face a large tax bill as well as penalty fees. Make sure you check your provider’s credentials, including their cross-border experience and understanding of Portuguese taxation. Remember: with unregulated companies, there is no recourse if things go wrong.

Testimonials, particularly word-of-mouth recommendations from people you trust, can provide reassurance and indicate that a business is doing things the right way. Look for consumer reviews, ask around your local community and follow up references where possible. Be mindful, however, that other peoples’ situations might be quite different to yours – what works for them may not necessarily work for you.

6. Look at the whole picture

Pensions should form just part of your overall financial plan. Your adviser should look at your pensions in the context of your unique circumstances and wider situation – including residency, your other assets, tax and estate planning – to help secure the best outcome for you and your family.

Deciding what to do with your pension could be one of the most important financial decisions you make. While you should take the time to get it right, keep the Brexit countdown in mind. With many predicting that the UK could introduce tax penalties on overseas transfers and limit how expatriates in the EU can access their UK pensions post-Brexit, now is the time to review how you can best secure a prosperous retirement in Portugal.

Tax rates, scope and reliefs may change. Any statements concerning taxation are based upon our understanding of current taxation laws and practices which are subject to change. Tax information has been summarised; individuals should seek personalised advice.

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Who We Are

Blevins Franks has been providing specialist financial advice to British expatriates across Europe for over forty years. Our expertise covers tax, estate planning, pensions and investment management to offer a genuinely holistic approach to financial planning.

If you’re living abroad, thinking about moving, or planning to return to the UK, we can help you make the most of your wealth in the most tax-efficient way possible.